Date Posted: October 29, 2023
Category: Ticks
Ticks are the most active during the warm summer months. But for many Massachusetts residents, these external parasites can continue to be a problem throughout the milder autumn months as well.
A tick infestation on your property can be hazardous to your and your pet's health. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, our Massachusetts pest control professionals know the best way to eliminate the ticks from your property. Here is a closer look at some of the different things you can try if you want a tick-free yard.
An Introduction To Ticks: Understanding The Basics
Many people think that ticks are a type of insect. However, these small creatures are not in the insect family. Instead, they are a type of arachnid and are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than they are to any bug. Although, when it comes to their behavior, ticks tend to act more like a typical ectoparasite.
Ticks are tiny animals measuring anywhere from 2 to 10mm. Many different types of ticks are in this area. Usually, ticks have dark-colored bodies. However, some species can have tan, gray, or white markings on their bodies. They eat a blood-only diet, and their bodies are flat when they have not fed in a while. However, after taking a meal, their bodies will swell, and some types of ticks will transform to look like small gray balls.
Sometimes, a tick's body can become so engorged with blood that the tick will be unable to move easily. If you see these large ticks around your property, they most likely come off your pet. To prevent your pet from receiving any more tick bites, contact a local tick control specialist as soon as possible.
The Dangers Of Tick-Borne Diseases: Risks And Symptoms
Comprehensive tick control in Massachusetts is important to keep yourself and your pets healthy. Ticks carry a variety of diseases that they can easily pass to you when they bite you. Here is a look at the various tick-borne diseases that you can catch from a tick bite:
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Most commonly spread by dog ticks, the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are fever, stomach cramps, muscle aches and stiffness, rash around the wrist and ankles, and severe headaches.
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Ehrlichiosis: Deer ticks and dog ticks are most commonly associated with the spread of this disease. Symptoms include muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and severe confusion.
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Lyme disease: Usually has mild symptoms initially, including fever, chills, fatigue, and a red circular rash shaped like a bull's eye. If left untreated, symptoms could become more severe, including facial palsy, extremely painful headaches, dizziness, and arthritis.
Ticks have also can make dogs anemic. If you see ticks on your property, consult a tick control service near you to help keep you and your family safe.
Preventing Tick Bites: Essential Tips For Your Outdoor Space
You most commonly find ticks outdoors. They like areas with tall grass and plenty of shaded areas. By keeping your yard well-maintained, you can reduce your chances of having ticks around. If you still see ticks on your property, a professional tick exterminator can help you develop a more customized prevention plan.
Professional Tick Control: A Smart And Effective Solution
The best way to keep your yard tick-free is to work with a professional pest control team. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, our Massachusetts tick exterminators can help eliminate and prevent ticks around your home. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Massachusetts.
